Ninth Post

I have two subjects to ponder today, both of which are of great importance, although one is spiritual and the other mainly physical. I don't know either inside out, but that's why I'm pondering them.

First, repentance. Death is eagerly awaiting to swallow us whole, but patient enough to settle for a bit at a time. Why do I bring up death? Because any pause between the recognition of sin and the act of repentance is an open wound inviting Satan to pour salt into it, eventually bringing some kind of death. I have thought about this often, because I sin often. Condemnation, guilt, shame, fear, doubt, separation from God. All of this, the result of me waiting to feel enough sorrow to merit my reception of forgiveness. How dumb. I must not wait to feel sorrow, or even conviction, to accept grace. If I think about it, I often do feel conviction or sorrow, I just don't think it's enough. But who am I to question the Holy Spirit in convicting me? God has already payed the price for my life, justifying me before Himself, allowing my entrance into His presence for eternity. Romans 3:22-24 proves this -- "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.(NIV, emphasis added)" So if you are like me, stop beating yourself up over sin, and simply come to God, even boldly, in repentance once again. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (KJV)." Hebrews 4:16


Now, food.
Yes, I said food. I love food. I eat a lot of food, too. And just recently, through the viewing of a few documentaries and revelation of my duty here on earth, have I begun thinking, really thinking, about where exactly my food is coming from. What all is in it? Are all of the people supplying it being treated fairly? Are even the animals being slaughtered taken care of when they are alive? What is the spirit behind the production of all the food that I eat? Is it a spirit of greed, or thoughtful consideration of the wellbeing of others? Basically, does 'Wal-Mart' really want to help people, or make money through the exploitation and mistreatment of vulnerable humans and animals?
I'll start with my responsibility as a human. Genesis 1:28 says "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" I think God is proud of his creation of animals and plants and water and dirt. He said all of it was good. He is pleased with all of it. So as an image bearer of a God who is pleased with and proud of this earth, shouldn't I do everything in my power to steward wisely all that I have rule over? Not to treat the earth and everything in it simply as an instrument to satisfy my greed and selfishness. I believe in caring for our dwelling here. Not because I love this earth, but because anything less than caring for it is done out of fear, lack of faith, doubt, greed, selfishness, etc... it could get extremely long and complicated as to why I feel inclined to be a good steward of the earth and everything in it, but I'm just going to hope that you understand.

Now, these documentaries have gotten me thinking. I'd have to watch them again and research for myself to sift the fact from fiction, but I am more aware of some things that go on to bring food to my...chair. We don't have a table in here.
First off, chickens are treated pretty bad when they are alive. These massive, frozen, boneless chicken breasts that I have bought in bulk come from hormone injected chickens that are growing so fast their muscles cannot keep up with their weight. They can't walk, and they barely even stand. Most of their life is spent in a dark warehouse, surrounded by hundreds of other pathetic chickens, wallowing in their filth. I don't want to eat that chicken.
Second, many farmer's are manipulated by the companies buying their crop in bulk. The companies keep them in debt by forcing them to keep buying the latest equipment or pesticide or whatever. It comes down to mass production. It seems anything will be done for 'the most they can get in the least amount of time'. I don't want to condone that at any level.
Sadly, it's difficult to do much about this. I feel like I'm becoming a semi-vegetarian, and I tried to buy as much organic labeled food when I went shopping yesterday, but it's hard to find all organic in Tyler, TX. Fast food restaurants are dwindling down for me, and Wal-Mart is less and less appealing. There's probably a lot that I would have to give up, as well as search for, to stop condoning any hint of these injustices altogether, but I'm taking baby steps. I still bought lunch meat yesterday.
I know that somewhere animals and humans are greatly mistreated, and I also know that my consumption of certain foods only encourages these injustices. So I have a lot more thinking and researching to do, but at least I'm more aware. That's what I want you to be. More aware. Hopefully you will start thinking and researching for yourself.